Palm Beach Perspective

Talked with Naomi Wallen, from the Armory Art Center. "The Armory Art Center’s historic campus, located in Howard Park, within walking distance to City Place in downtown West Palm Beach, Antique Row, and the Norton Museum of Art on Dixie Highway. The Armory Art Center is a registered historic building undergoing historic restoration and preservation to maintain and upgrade its facilities.The venue sits squarely in the heart of the historic Grandview Heights, Flamingo Park, and Sunshine Park Neighborhoods. It is a short distance from the I-95 corridor, Palm Beach International Airport, Amtrak, Tri-Rail, and Brightline train and accessible from the downtown Circuit Transportation. Artists gather at the Creative Market to showcase their work and provide demonstrations, performances, and more." They are hosting their 8th Annual Art, Craft, design festival this weekend.  Listeners can enjoy this free event from 9a-5pm.  There will be art demos throughout the day starting with Collage demo and Plein Air Painting, Wheel thrown pottery, campus and studio tours, Raku Fired pottery and eco printing.  There will be live music from BAJI, Adam Douglas, Thomas & Rachel, and NOSLEEPKG.  Listeners can enjoy ongoing studio tours, view the exhibits and kids can create art int eh kids zone.  It will be a fun start to holiday shopping,  Listeners can sign up for classes, newsletter, volunteer, make donations are www.armoryart.org

Talked with Colleen Smith, Founding Artistic and Exceutive Director, Ballet Palm Beach and Elizabeth Dashiell, PRPalmBeach.  Ballet Palm Beach is starting off their 2024-2025 season with Carmen ,November 1-3, followed by The Nutcracker December 6-8, then The Great Gatsby February 28-March 2, and wrap up with The Sleeping Beauty April 17-19.  Throughout the year, Ballet Palm Beach's "Ballet the Book: free program will be performed at various schoools and libraries.  Listeners can find out more about ballet school, becoming a volunteer, beocming a sponsor, scheduling Ballet by the Book and getting tickets for the season by going to balletpalmbeach.org.

Talked with Dr. Randy Blakely, Executive Director, FAU Stiles Nicholson Brain Institute and Patrick McNamara, President and CEO, Palm Health Foundation about The Brain Coast, A Vision for South Florida. They are starting with 6 organizations including Palm Health Foundation, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Max Planck Institute of Neuroscience and Southeast Behavioral Health Network.  Together they are focusing on three pillars to create a thriving brain ecosystem in South Florida. "The Brain Coast Vision is based on three fundamental pillars that will generate a thriving brain ecosystem in South Florida: Pillar 1: Deepening Brain Science, Education, and Resiliency Through Research The Brain Coast will advance neuroscience research and push the boundaries of our understanding of the brain, resilience, and mental health. Pillar 2: Engaging the Community The Brain Coast aims to foster an informed and proactive community that understands the importance of addressing brain health for healthier lives. Pillar 3: Spurring Innovation to Improve Brain Health, Mental Health, and Community Resilience The Brain Coast will be an epicenter for innovation in fundamental brain and mental health research, encouraging the development of novel interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses."  As 8 out of 10 people are affected by brain health issues, this will provide a great service to our community. For more info listeners can go to https://www.fau.edu/brain/  or www.palmhealthfoundation.org

Talked with Jasmine Fox, Smithsonian Marine Station in Ft. Pierce.  They are one of the exhibitors at this year's Indian River Lagoon Science Festival.  The festival is happening on Saturday October 26th from 10a to 3p and is free.  There is free parking in the downtown Ft. Pierce Parking Garage with a free shuttle service to the festival.  They have over 90 exhibitors. One of the Smithsonian Marine station's interative exhibits is controling undwater remote vehicles.  FAU Harbor Branch is bringing their Marine Mammal Rescue Ambulance.  Oxbow Eco center is displaying huge art sculptures called "World Away" maybe from trash collected from the beaches, parks, ocean, etc.  Kids can "spend the day as a sea turtle scientist" with the Ecological Assoc. They can check out forensic science, food science, recycling, and see some amazing stage shows and experience animal encounters.  IRL Fest also has food trucks and lots of volunteer opportunities this year.  For more info, listeners can go to https://irlsciencefest.org.

Talked with Phala and Oscar about the upcoming season at the Kravis Center.  They have "something for everyone" this year.  Lots of family fare, peak series shows, adults at leisure program, lunch and learn series, the writers academy with Julie Gilbert.  Their Kravis on Broadway series includes: Mrs. Doubtfire, The Cher Show, Cleveland Union Depot, Peter Pan, The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge. Les Mis, and Mystic Pizza.  They also have a fantastic line up of Classical music, dance, comedians and magicians.  For more information, listeners can go to www.kravis.org

Talked with Dr. Kiminyo, Vice President, T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  As part of their community education/outreach program, he discussed what infectious disease doctors do. They treat a variety of diseases including urinary tract infections, covid, RSV, flu, west nile virus, monkey pox, shingles, etc.  There are various treatments, vaccines for prevention.  They consult with other doctors to help patients heal. Listeners can find out more by going to the website www.tljmedicalsociety.org. There's a list of services, info on networking, volunteering, mentoring and more.

Talked with Jetson and Adoni from Westgate Community Farm.  "Westgate Community Farm is an urban education and production farm in the Westgate Neighborhood of West Palm Beach that offers neighbors fresh produce, education programs, and a lush green space."  They were created with the CRA to address the food desert in the neighborhood.  They have workshops, kids porgrams, field trips and lots of volunteer opportunities for the community.  Season is starting with their Green Market on October 5 from 9a-1p.  They will also have starter tomato, pepper plants, etc. for sale that day. They offer double EBT on the organic produce. Then on October 12th they'll be teaching a gardening 101 workshop in addition to the market.  Listeners can go to the website for more info at westgatecommunityfarm.com

Talked with Dr. Monica Walker, T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  As part of their community education/outreach Dr. Walker talked about mentoring students, collaberation with other medical professionals, serving underserverd populations, what she does as a Family Medicine Practioner. Primary care docs look at the entire person and get a complete history to help with diagnosis and treatment. She also does a lot of work with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder that can be very painful, cause life threatening complications such as strokes, infections, and organ damage.  It affects the red blood cells.  The cells normally look like a donut but with sickle cell it changes to a sickle shape so creates difficulty moving through blood vessels/delivering oxygen.  A lot of people have the sickle cell trait and don't know.  Dr. Walker works with local hematologists and the foundation to help folks get free testing so they know their status. For more info listeners are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Walker at 561-844-7699 if they have any questions or go to the websites.  www.sicklecellpbc.org or www.tljmedicalsociety.org..

Talked with Owen O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer and Jon Levy, Board Chair, from Clinics Can Help.  "Clinics Can Help connects people to safe, low-cost medical equipment in a supportive circle of care. Our model of organized recycling advances health equity by ensuring every child and adult can access the supplies they need for healthy recovery, protection from injury, and the mobility, independence and dignity to sustain a quality level of life."  They have a wide variety of medical equipment to help folks in need including cribs, wheelchairs, braces, canes, hospital beds.  They hold three fundraisers throughout the year.  Coming up on October 11th is their 11th Annual Golf Classic in memory of Devon Quiqley.  It's from 7a-7p at the Wanderers Golf Club in Wellington Florida. This year's theme is a Salute to Super Heroes and is sponsored by Gil Martinez State Farm agency. They do have a few foursomes still open, listeners can sign up online.  They also have their CCH Kinder Project Luncheon (Cribs for Kids) on November 8th and then their 2nd Annual Clay For Kids event will be on March 7, 2025. CCH will pick up large items and folks can swing by the warehouse to drop off items as well as get a tour.  They have a suggested donation for items but it's not required.  Listeners can go to to the website to sign up for the Golf Tournament, become a volunteer or sponsor.

Talked with Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands. They started as a soup kitchen in 1998. Now, Boca Helping Hands has become one of the largest nonprofit service providers in South Florida. They offer a variety of programs including Pantry Bag, Job Training, Volunteer Opportunities, Hot Meals, Financial Resources, Healthcare, and bus pass to name a few.  They are doing, Tackle Hunger program where folks take a box of cereal and get free admission to FAU vs. FIU Game on Saturday 9/14 at 6pm. They also do a Thankgiving Box giveaway.  Listeners can get more info at www.bocahelpinghands.org

Talked with Angie Mason, DPT, OTR/L and Tyre Patterson, DPT  from Dynamic Duo PT.  They are members of the T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society and do educational outreach for them.  We discussed what Phyical Therapy and Occupational Therapy disciplines do and some of the reasons folks may go to see a  PT or OT. Some of which are sports injuries, hip/knee issues, gait/balance issues, pelvic floor/incontinence, neurological  disorders (stroke, parkinsons), Carpal Tunnel, workers comp, chronic conditions like arthritis, back or knee pains and help improve ADLs (activities of daily living).  Listeners can find out more at www.dynamicduopt.com or call 561-563-2828.

Talked with Jill Brown, Chief Executive Officer and Abby Mathews, Education Director at Armory Art Center.  The West Palm Beach Armory Art Center is a historic site in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. It is located at 1703 South Lake Avenue. "The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art. The Armory’s vision is to become a leading artistic and cultural center."  They offer a wide variety of arts education classes, includingt the BraveHearts Program that promotoes rehabilitation of military service veterans through visual arts.  They are adding in some community requested classes as well.  Their 8th annual Art Fair now includes art, craft, design, performers, demos, youth area and a juried exhibition.  For more details on classes, volunteering, exhibitions, donating, listeners can go to www.armoryart.org.

Talked with Dr. Anita Coocoves, Exec. Dir. and Michah Robbins, Dir. of Operations, Recovery HUB of Palm Beach County. The Recovery HUB's mission is to empower, connect and advocate for individuals and families in all stages of recoery.  And their vision is to provide a safe space where people with substance use and related disorders will be met with compassion and encoraged along their path to recovery.  The HUBs to do this by providing support and solutions for folks living with substance use disorders to increase their access to recovery resources.  Some of the services the HUB provides are a safe space to go and receive all levels of support, education support (GED info, college enrollment assistance, grants information), and family support education programs, networking info, support groups, resume building, job search, interview skills, food stamp assistance, bus pass info, budgeting, shopping, nutritional info, clothing, help starting a bank account, getting their license/id, and computer access. They are always happy to have volunteers and financial support at the HUBS.  Listeners can find out more by going to www.pbchub.org or calling 1-866-472-2482.

Talked with David Lawrence, President and CEO, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.  David explained that the Cultural Council started back in 1978 and is like a chamber of commerce for the arts.  They support and uplift professional artists and organizations in Palm Beach County.  The council is located in Lake Worth Beach.  They feature rotating exhibitions, a store and meeting spaces for the community. They do an Arts & Tourism Summit every couple years with co-hosts Discover the Palm Beaches.  Coming up on August 22, Jessika Davidson, 2023 Summit speaker, will present a workshop on "Brandscaping" and the Norton Museum of Art. It's a free event but listeners need to rsvp due to limited space.  Listeners can go to the website, www.palmbeachculture.com and find info about upcoming events, sign up for the email, becoming a volunteer, making a donation or search the Artist database or call 561-471-2901.

Talked with Erick Gill, Director of Communications Division.  They have a wide variety of programs for residents and listeners to participate in:  Fenn Center 2nd annual PetCo Love Mega Adoption event, the Area Regional Transit expanded the ART on Demand services, they also have a new ride share app Free Bee.  Lots of events happening at the pools. Free admission for kids at Arthur Lee Boatwright pool, Aquafit classes at Lakewood pool, Back to School Splash Jams 7/29-7/31 happening at the local pools.  They are offering Free guided Sea Turtle Hatchling Walks.  Listeners can sign up www.slchikes.org.  St Lucie tourism is offering "Locals Only" special deals for residents as well.  For more information listeners can go to www.visitstlucie.com or www.stlucieco.org

Talked with Dr. Kitonga Kiminyo, VP and Dr. FLora Bentsi-Enchill from the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  They are gearing up to host their 23rd Annual Community Health Fair on July 27th from 9am to 2pm at the Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club in Riviera Beach, Florida.  Their health fair is Free and open to everyone.  They will provide children's back to school physicals, dental screenings, diabetic testing, vision testing, HIV testing, Hearing checks, free mammograms, and this year they've added CPR training.  This year's theme is "Healthy Hearts and Healthy Minds".  In addition to all the exams, info on physical fitness, nutrition and lifestyle choices, children will receive a backpack full of supplies to help prepare them for the upcoming school year.  Listeners can sign up online for the various services, become a sponsor, become a volunteer, get more info on the society, or make a donation at www.tljmedicalsociety.org

Talked with Trent Stevens, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Dashiell from Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival (PBSF).  This year PBSF and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation are presenting FREE Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV production of King Lear July 11-14 and 18-21.  Presented by Gary and Katherine Parr the Production will happen at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park in Jupiter.  Then on July 25- 28, there will be an encore week at The Commons Park sponsored by The Village of Royal Palm Beach.  Listeners can bring their own chair/blanket and food/drink or purchase some refreshments on site.  This year special guest, "The Sonnet Man" Devon will be doing pre show performances on July 18- July21.  The shows are free (with a suggested donation of $5/person).  For information, to become a volunteer, become a sponsor and more, Listeners can go to www.pbshakespeare.org.

Talked with Rey Navarro, Chief Operating Officer and Susan Murphy, Clinical Services Director from Hibiscus Children's Center.  Hibiscus Center has been serving children since 1985.  They provide safe nights of care to abused children and teens.  They offer a wide variety of programs and mental health services.  They offer programs in these areas: Residential & Emergency Services for Children and youth, Mental Health services for children and youth, Career Preparation and Planning Services, Prevention and Family Services.  Listeners can get more info about programs, donations, services, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers at www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org

Talked with Michael Riordan, COO and Lety Gonzalez, Marketing Coordinator for Compass in Lake Worth.  Compass Center has been "providing life-saving services to the residents of Palm Beach County and South Florida for 35 years. Their mission is to engage, empower and enrich the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and those impacted by HIV and AIDS."They offer a wide variety of mental health programs, peer support groups, youth groups, transgender resources, free counseling and cultural  competency trainings, and HIV education awareness.  They do several fundraising events throughout the year.  The next big one is the 2024 Stonewall Ball which raises funds for the programs and operations at Compass Community Center.  It's going to be at Hilton Downtown West Palm Beach, 600 Okeechobee Blvd. 33401.  Listeners can get tickets, make donation, and more information on services at www.compasslgbtq.com.

Talked with Burt Moresch, President, Field Day Coordinator and Laurence Grayhills, DMD from Jupiter Tequesta Repeater Group (JTRG).  "JTRG is an ARRL-affiliated, Special Service Club and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that’s committed to the promotion of Amateur Radio and providing community assistance and goodwill.With just over 100 members, we’re an active club, involved with all aspects of amateur radio, public service, and Amateur Radio examinations. We provide communications and logistics for area events and participate in the Jupiter Jubilee, Field Day, and Club-sponsored picnics. Our repeater is leveraged as the North county repeater for ARES and we have numerous members involved with RACES, ARES, Skywarn, CERT, etc. This years Field Day will be held on June 22nd-23rd at Carlin Park in Jupiter, FL." The JTRG members will be setting up with a variety of power sources, listeners are invited to come out and try to make a contact at the "GOTA" station.  JTRG is looking for volunteers and listeners can sign up and get more info at www.jtrg.org